C1711 on 2012-2013 Infiniti QX56: Rear Left TPMS Fault Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2013 Infiniti QX56

For this specific QX56 generation (Z62, also known as Y62), Infiniti issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #ITB13039A) that highlights radio frequency (RF) interference as a known cause for TPMS communication codes like C1711. This means that while a failed sensor is the most likely culprit due to age, aftermarket accessories like phone chargers, dash cams, or power inverters are a documented source of signal disruption on this platform and should be checked first. This issue is shared with its platform-mate, the Nissan Armada.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle. 👇

Symptoms You May Notice

• TPMS warning light flashes for approximately one minute and then stays illuminated.
• The vehicle's information display shows a blank or '--' for the rear left tire pressure.
• Inability to complete a TPMS relearn procedure.
• "Check Tire Pressure" message may appear in the vehicle information display.

Most Likely Causes

1. Dead or Failing TPMS Sensor Battery 🔴 High Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor The original sensors on 2012-2013 vehicles contain non-serviceable batteries with a 5-10 year lifespan. These vehicles are now at an age where battery failure is the most common and expected reason for this code.
   How to confirm: Use a TPMS activation tool to try and read the sensor at the rear left wheel. If the tool gets no response or shows a low battery status, the sensor is dead and must be replaced.
   Typical fix: Replace the rear left TPMS sensor and register the new sensor ID to the Body Control Module (BCM) using a compatible scan tool. 🎬 Learn how to use the Autel MaxiTPMS tool for easy diagnosis.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120
2. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference 🟡 Medium Probability As documented in TSB ITB13039A, this platform is susceptible to RF interference from aftermarket electronics plugged into the vehicle's 12V power outlets (cigarette lighters). Forum users frequently report that cheap or poorly shielded USB chargers and dash cams are the culprits.
   How to confirm: Unplug all aftermarket accessories (phone chargers, dash cams, GPS units, etc.) from all power outlets. Drive the vehicle for several minutes at speeds above 25 mph (40 km/h) to see if the code clears and the light goes out.
   Typical fix: Remove or replace the interfering electronic device with a higher-quality, better-shielded one.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Faulty TPMS Sensor (Electronic Failure) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Beyond the battery, the sensor's electronics can fail from vibration, internal corrosion, or damage during a tire change.
   How to confirm: If the sensor responds to an activation tool but the code persists after ruling out RF interference and attempting a relearn, the sensor's transmitter may be faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the rear left TPMS sensor and perform the relearn procedure.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Body Control Module (BCM) or TPMS Receiver: This is very uncommon. Before suspecting the BCM, all other possibilities, especially the sensor itself and RF interference, should be thoroughly ruled out. A BCM issue would often, but not always, affect more than one sensor simultaneously.
• Damaged Wiring or Connectors: A break or short in the wiring to the TPMS receiver/BCM could cause this code, but it is highly unlikely unless other electrical issues are also present.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code is C1711 using an OBD-II scanner capable of reading Chassis (C-prefix) codes.
2. Check the tire pressure display in the vehicle's information center to confirm the rear left reading is missing or shows '--'.
3. CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Unplug all aftermarket devices from the 12V power outlets (phone chargers, dash cams, etc.) to eliminate potential RF interference, as per TSB ITB13039A.
4. Drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes at speeds over 25 mph to see if the light turns off. If it does, one of the unplugged devices was the cause.
5. If the light remains, use a TPMS activation tool at the rear left wheel to check if the sensor is transmitting (ID, pressure, battery status).
6. If the tool receives no signal, the TPMS sensor has failed (likely a dead battery) and must be replaced.
7. If the tool receives a signal, the issue may be with the registration. Attempt a TPMS relearn procedure using a compatible scan tool.
8. If the relearn procedure fails even with a transmitting sensor, the sensor itself is likely faulty and requires replacement.
9. After replacing the sensor, register the new sensor ID to the vehicle using a TPMS programming tool. This is a required step.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor (OEM #40700-1LA0E) — This is the component that fails, usually due to its internal battery expiring. The entire unit must be replaced. This part number supersedes 40700-1LA0A, 40700-1LA0B, 40700-1LA0C, and 40700-1LA0D.
  Trusted brands: Infiniti/Nissan (OEM), Schrader, Denso, Bosch, Autel
  OEM price range: $70-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• TPMS Sensor Service Kit — When replacing the sensor, it is best practice to also replace the valve stem seals, core, and nut to prevent leaks. These kits are inexpensive and often included with a new sensor.
  Trusted brands: Schrader, Dill Air Control
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $3-$10

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1708 — This is the code for the Front-Left sensor. Seeing multiple TPMS codes at once suggests the sensor batteries are failing around the same time due to age, or there is significant RF interference.
• C1709 — This is the code for the Front-Right sensor. It can appear with C1711 if multiple sensors are failing.
• C1710 — This is the code for the Rear-Right sensor. Seeing codes for both rear sensors could indicate a coincidence of failure or strong RF interference at the rear of the vehicle.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• ITB13039A: Addresses radio frequency interference from aftermarket accessories causing a 'No Data' condition (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) for the TPMS system.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB ITB13039A was issued by Infiniti for this vehicle, explicitly mentioning that radio frequency interference can cause a 'No Data' condition leading to codes C1708, C1709, C1710, or C1711.
• Owner experiences on forums for the QX56 and its Nissan Armada platform-mate frequently cite this code as the first sign of the original TPMS sensors failing due to age. Many recommend replacing all four sensors at once if they are original to avoid repeat repairs.
• The QX56 was renamed the QX80 starting in the 2014 model year, but the underlying platform and TPMS system remained the same, sharing this issue.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPMS Sensor Signal Frequency — expected: 315 MHz. Failure: No signal detected by a TPMS tool, or a weak/intermittent signal.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Infiniti CONSULT-III / CONSULT 3+: Work Support > ID Registration — This function is required after replacing a TPMS sensor to write the new sensor's unique ID into the Body Control Module (BCM). The system will not recognize the new sensor until this is performed.
• Infiniti CONSULT-III / CONSULT 3+: Data Monitor (under Air Pressure Monitor) — Used during diagnosis to view the live data from each TPMS sensor. For a C1711, the display for the rear-left tire would show '0 kPa' or be blank, confirming the 'No Data' condition from the BCM's perspective.
• Advanced Aftermarket TPMS Tool (e.g., Autel, Launch): OBD Relearn / Write Sensor IDs — An alternative to the dealer's CONSULT tool. This function connects to the vehicle's OBD-II port to write the new sensor IDs to the BCM after replacement.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Body Control Module (BCM) — On the 2011-2013 Infiniti QX56 (Y62 platform), the BCM is located in the passenger side footwell, behind the glove box or kick panel.. The BCM contains the TPMS receiver. In rare cases of BCM failure or wiring issues to the BCM, communication with all TPMS sensors can be lost. It is also the module where new sensor IDs are registered.
• TPMS Test Connector (Pre-2011 models) — On some older Nissan/Infiniti models, a single-wire connector, often taped to the OBD-II port harness, was used for a manual relearn procedure.. While a manual relearn procedure involving grounding this connector exists for older platforms, its effectiveness on the 2012-2013 QX56 is questionable. Sources indicate that by this model year, a scan tool is the required and reliable method for sensor registration.
• Fuse Block (J/B) — Located at the left end of the dash, accessible by opening the driver's door.. This fuse block powers the BCM. A blown fuse (specifically fuse #10, a 10A fuse) could cause the BCM to lose power, resulting in a loss of TPMS functionality and other issues.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user @soorajarm7137 (2010 Nissan Patrol (Y62 platform-mate)) — TPMS warning light on the dash.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The original sensors had failed due to age and were expensive to replace at the dealer.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner purchased four aftermarket 'MX-Sensor' brand TPMS sensors from Amazon and had a local tire shop install them. After installation, the system was calibrated (relearned), and the TPMS warning light was successfully turned off.
• YouTube user TheDIYGuyDOTnet (Nissan/Infiniti (unspecified model, but demonstrates a common procedure)) — TPMS light came on after swapping to winter wheels with different sensors.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Simply driving the car did not make the light go away as the new sensors were not registered.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A tool-free relearn was performed by setting each tire to a unique pressure (LF: 34, RF: 31, RR: 29, LR: 26 psi), then finding a TPMS test connector under the dash, and grounding it with a paperclip 6 times with the key on. This put the system in learn mode. Driving for a few minutes allowed the BCM to identify each sensor by its unique pressure and register it, turning off the flashing light. Note: This method is primarily for older models and may not work on a 2012-2013 QX56.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 284B1-1LA0A → 284B1-1LA0B, 284B1-1LA3D — Standard part revision by the manufacturer for the Body Control Module (BCM).
  Heads up: When replacing a BCM, the new module (new or used) is NOT plug-and-play. It must be programmed to the vehicle's VIN and keys to resolve the anti-theft system, or the engine will not start.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2013: Unlike some earlier Infiniti/Nissan models which had a single-wire TPMS test connector for a manual (tool-free) relearn procedure, models from 2011 onwards, including the QX56, had this feature removed. Sensor registration must be performed with a compatible TPMS scan tool via the OBD-II port.